The controversy surrounding Lionel Messi's failed return to Barcelona in 2023 has not yet died down. Former sporting director Mateu Alemany has publicly supported Xavi Hernandez's explosive claims that the club had league approval to re-sign the Argentine star. This directly contradicts the official narrative from incumbent president Joan Laporta and La Liga chief Javier Tebas ahead of the elections.
One month into the MLS season, the early storylines are starting to take shape - from Inter Miami finding form again to growing concerns over James Rodriguez.
Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font has challenged Lionel Messi to reveal the "truth" about his failed return to the club in 2023. With the election just days away, Font has claimed members are being misled by Joan Laporta’s "smokescreen" regarding the club’s greatest icon, on the back of explosive comments from former manager Xavi.
In a fiery presidential debate ahead of the March 15 elections, Joan Laporta has sensationally hit back at former manager Xavi. Addressing recent claims that he deliberately sabotaged Lionel Messi’s return to Camp Nou, painted a picture of a coach who was struggling under the weight of the job. Laporta didn't hold back when discussing the legendary midfielder's departure, suggesting a lack of professional focus was the primary issue.
Javier Tebas has vehemently denied the explosive allegations that La Liga approved Lionel Messi's return to Barcelona in 2023. The league president's rebuttal comes amid a public feud that has erupted between Xavi Hernandez and Joan Laporta just days before the club's presidential elections, with the latter brutally dismissing the former coach's tenure while defending his own decisions.
Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has dropped a massive bombshell, claiming that Joan Laporta deliberately vetoed Lionel Messi's return to the club in 2023. Despite securing La Liga approval to re-sign the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner that summer, Laporta allegedly blocked the transfer - and Messi signed with MLS club Inter Miami instead.
Former Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe has weighed in on the eternal GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Frenchman has explained exactly why he believes that Argentine genius Messi operates on a completely different level, citing his natural talent and unmatched technical superiority.
Inter Miami continued their strong start to the 2026 MLS season with a vital 2-1 victory over D.C. United. While Lionel Messi grabbed the headlines once again with another spectacular goal, former USMNT star Sacha Kljestan believes the real architect of the club’s dominance, head coach Javier Mascherano, is currently operating in the shadows of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Lionel Messi is poised to be rested by Inter Miami at some stage in the not too distant future, with the MLS Cup winners eager to avoid making a “big mistake” while chasing down multiple trophies. The Herons are eager to successfully defend their domestic crown in the United States, while continental silverware is up for grabs in Champions Cup and Leagues Cup competition.
The presence of Lionel Messi offers Inter Miami plenty of advantages, with team-mate Dayne St. Clair pointing out that one of those is often having “more supporters than the home team” when heading out on the road. The Herons are taking in five successive away games at the start of their 2026 MLS campaign, but intimidating atmospheres are in short supply.
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has pulled back the curtain on the staggering financial package that keeps Lionel Messi in South Florida, revealing the Argentine icon takes home between $70 million and $80 million per year. The eye-watering figure, which includes the World Cup winner's ownership shares, highlights the unprecedented investment required to bring the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient to Major League Soccer.
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has addressed the fallout from his team’s visit to the White House to meet President Donald Trump. The Herons' boss insists the squad remains focused on football despite the media frenzy surrounding the 2025 MLS Cup champions.
MLS is being urged to ditch its Lionel Messi playbook when the Argentine GOAT retires, with the division being advised to focus more on youth development. Global superstars have been crucial to the development and promotion of domestic soccer in the United States, but Giuseppe Rossi has told GOAL why a culture shift needs to take place in order for the game to truly thrive.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been warned that a link-up with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami would be “weird”, but the Portuguese is being urged to rekindle his rivalry with a familiar foe in MLS. Giuseppe Rossi, who once played alongside CR7 at Manchester United, has told GOAL why the evergreen frontman still has plenty of football left in him as questions are asked of his future at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
Inter Miami have made their historic visit to the White House to celebrate their 2025 MLS Cup triumph, but the club’s most famous owner was a notable absentee. While Lionel Messi and his team-mates were honoured by United States president Donald Trump, David Beckham was forced to remain in Europe due to a long-standing personal commitment. The former England captain’s scheduling conflict meant he missed a landmark moment for the franchise he built.
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